Sakaṭ Chauth 2027: Mombasa, Kenya

Sakaṭ Chauth (सकट चौथ), also called Tilkut Chauth, is the Sankashti Chaturthi of the month of Maghā in the Purnimanta reckoning, the Krishna Chaturthi of Pausha in the Amanta reckoning. It is one of the most widely kept Sankashti fasts of the year, especially in North India.

Mothers keep the fast for the long life and wellbeing of their children, worshipping Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and Sakat Mata. The day is spent fasting; in the evening Ganesha is worshipped and the story of Sakat Chauth is recited.

The fast is broken after moonrise, once the Moon has been sighted and offered arghya. Sweets of sesame and jaggery (tilkut) are offered and shared, which gives the day its other name.